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Authors Posts by Carol Ferenz

Carol Ferenz

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Let’s Talk: Supporting People Through the Grieving Process
Thursday, June 23, 2022 • 2:00 pm — 3:00 pm ET
Register Now

People with intellectual disabilities have been left out of the grief conversation too many times and for far too long. Grief is hard, and supporting people through grief can be challenging, but when it comes down to it, just being there, really being there and actively listening, are the best things you can do to help someone through it. Direct support professionals wear many hats and grief supporter will be one of them at some point. On this month’s “Let Talk,” Amanda Gee shares how direct support professionals can support those who are grieving. This webinar is a companion to this month’s International Journal for Direct Support article, “Good Grief: Supporting People Through the Grieving Process.

When It’s Time to Fade: Supporting People with High Risk Behaviors
Wednesday, June 29, 2022 • 12:00pm — 3:00pm ET
Visit here for more information, including details on registration.

RCPA Member KenCrest President and CEO Marian Baldini recently received a Biomedical Sciences Graduate Recognition Award from Drexel’s College of Medicine’s Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies. She is first non-PhD graduate they have honored with this award. Congratulations Marian!

Message from MITC:

Alex is a DSP working for an agency managing HCBS and Group Home programs. Learn how workforce management & EHR software supports Alex and delivers greater across-the-board operational effectiveness.

Watch the new training video “Day in the Life of a DSP.”

Need a written copy? Download the ebook.

Join us for a webinar on Thursday, July 14, at 2:00 pm ET to learn how the right software can help your staff. Register here.

You can also email for more information.

RCPA is looking to gather information regarding your organization’s experience with electronic data systems and is requesting your assistance. This short survey asks questions regarding systems used for Time, Attendance, and Payroll; Electronic Health Records; Service Data Collection; Medication Management; and Billing services. Our goal is that, with your responses, we will be able to provide your colleagues with this helpful information!

RCPA will only share de-identified, aggregate data with members. We will not release any individual data unless given explicit permission to do so.

Please complete the survey here.

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) held a webinar for residential and day service providers, families, and Supports Coordination Organizations (SCO) to cover best practices for reopening day service provider facilities on June 6, 2022. The handout from the webinar is available for reference. Please see below:

You are invited to join ADvancing States for the 2022 Home and Community-Based Services Conference on August 14–18, 2022! Register before July 1 to secure a discounted Early Bird rate.

The Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Conference is ADvancing States’ annual national conference gathering leaders and policy makers in the aging and disabilities field. Every year, the HCBS Conference offers unparalleled learning and networking opportunities for our attendees.

Register Today!

The 2022 HCBS Conference will be a hybrid event, so if you are not able to join us in person, we hope you will join us virtually. Visit here to learn more about the event.

Lodging
We are thrilled to be at the beautiful Marriott Marquis Hotel in Washington, D.C. for this year’s conference. After registering for the conference, attendees will receive a link to reserve rooms at the Marriott Marquis in our conference blocks. Members will be able to reserve rooms at a government lodging rate of $172 per night. If you have any questions, please contact us via email.

Sponsorship and Exhibitors
Whether you have been an HCBS sponsor or exhibitor before or are new to the HCBS conference, we would love to have you join us this year! Sign up now to put your brand in front of a targeted audience of professionals working to improve LTSS systems and programs throughout the country.

Showcase your products and services with branded items, sponsored activities, and your virtual and in-person exhibit booths. Network with key influencers and industry leaders at your exhibit booth, over dinner, or on the conference app!

Visit here or contact Gabe Passos to learn more about sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities.

Learn more about the HCBS Conference.

If you have any questions about the conference or registration, please contact via email.

You are invited to participate in the Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) and the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) quarterly Positive Approaches & Practices Meeting. Details can be found below:

Date: Thursday, July 14, 2022
Time:  9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Topic: Behavioral and Mental Health Supports for Dually-Diagnosed Individuals

Please review the flyer for detailed session and registration information.

Message from the Department of Health (PA DOH):

With the recent rise in COVID-19 case counts across the Commonwealth and the country, the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PA DOH) wants long-term care facilities (LTCFs) to be aware of the multiple ways to access lifesaving COVID-19 treatment and preventive products.

We distribute the following outpatient therapeutics directly to LTCFs that enroll in the PA DOH network:

  • Treatment: Oral antivirals (Paxlovid & Lagevrio);
  • Treatment: Monoclonal antibodies (Bebtelovimab); and
  • Preventive: Monoclonal antibodies for pre-exposure prophylaxis (Evusheld).

Stocking therapeutics on-site can help eligible patients access preventive protection and receive timely treatment, which must be initiated within a matter of days from symptom onset. Most patients who test positive for COVID-19 are eligible for treatment.

The one-page guide for LTCFs covers how to enroll in the PA DOH therapeutics network. The first step is to complete our therapeutics enrollment form. You will receive additional instructions after form submission. To enroll, your facility will need a pharmacy license and/or a licensed medical director to take responsibility. If you do not have either of these, please reference the guide for alternative options to access COVID-19 therapeutics.

In addition to reviewing the guide, we appreciate you sharing it with other relevant LTCF stakeholders.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out via email. Thank you for all that you do to protect vulnerable residents across the Commonwealth. We appreciate your partnership in the fight against COVID-19.